Saluting 'magnificent' McFadden

2:06 AM,
Feb. 13, 2013

Harry Spencer

Written by

HARRY
SPENCER

The recent passing of the Right Rev. Monsignor Leo McFadden, a 60-year church veteran, brought to mind the day many years ago when I wrote his ordination story.

I used the word "magnificent" to best describe an extraordinary individual. According to Webster's Dictionary, "magnificent" is an adjective meaning of splendid and noble character. Certainly such an appellation is fitting to describe McFadden. From his earliest days as a parish priest to his exciting time as a correspondent in Rome for the Catholic News Service, he acquitted himself nobly.